A 28-year-old police officer has admitted to manslaughter following the death of a 47-year-old man in Suva earlier this year. Fifita Toma Tawake entered his plea before Justice Thushara Rajasinghe at the High Court in Suva, where he was set to go to trial.
The incident occurred on January 13, when Tawake and his friends were drinking kava at a local venue. After leaving, they approached traffic lights on Central St when the man, crossing from the Westpac Bank building to the Fiji Airways office, noticed Tawake’s car running a red light and tapped the rear of the vehicle to signal the violation.
In a moment of frustration and under the influence of kava, Tawake exited his vehicle and punched the man without provocation. The victim fell onto the concrete pavement, sustaining serious injuries. Tawake and a friend moved the injured man to a nearby corner, where they left him in the rain for approximately 40 minutes, dismissing concerns about his condition.
When witnesses engaged with Tawake to express concern, he reportedly told them that the man was merely unconscious. Eventually, bystanders moved the victim to safety, and when police arrived, Tawake suggested they take the man to the hospital. Unfortunately, the victim later died from his injuries at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital.
The case has been adjourned for final submissions, with Justice Rajasinghe set to deliver a sentence on Friday.
This tragic incident underscores the vital importance of responsible behavior, especially in situations involving alcohol. It serves as a reminder of the need for individuals to exercise judgment and restraint in emotional and volatile situations, as the consequences can be irreversible and devastating for all involved.
Ultimately, while the incident reflects a moment of poor choice leading to a tragic outcome, it also highlights the ongoing discussions around accountability and the importance of community support in times of crisis.
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